We know you’ve got lots of questions, we’ve got the answers
Dealing with insurers, auto body repairers and car rental companies can be confusing. Here’s some of our most commonly asked questions. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact us, we’re here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
- My insurance recommended I take my car to a specific shop, can I take my car to Horton?
Yes, you can. Insurance companies have what are called “direct repair” shops they refer to however in Alberta you have the right to take your car to any auto body shop of your choice. Here at Horton Auto Body & Paint we have 8 insurance companies on our direct repair programs and are always adding more.
- Do I need to report my accident to the police?
If you come in for an estimate and the repair costs are over $5000 you must report it to the police and get an accident sticker before we can start work on the vehicle. District 6 Police Station is only 5 minutes from Horton Auto Body.
- Do I have to pay my deductable?
If you are at fault then it is your responsibility to pay your deductable, if you feel you are not at fault you can call your insurance company to arrange having your deductable waived however this is not something we can negotiate on.
- How long will my repair take?
This depends on the extent of your accident. Something like a minor bumper repair can be done within a few days however major repairs can take up to 4 weeks depending on the availability of parts.
- Are there any short cuts to make the repair cheaper?
We guarantee our work for as long as you own the vehicle, and because of this, we repair everything to the highest standard with no short cuts taken. We use specific estimating software to make sure there is consistency in all jobs we do and we do not vary from the estimate.
- What type of guarantee do you offer on your repairs?
We have a lifetime guarantee for as long as you own the vehicle and stand by all our work.
- Do you have the parts for my car on hand?
Like most auto body shops we do not carry a full range of spares. All parts for repairs are ordered as soon as your vehicle is booked in, so they are available in plenty of time. Parts are ordered from dealerships and suppliers both here in Calgary and in some cases for European cars the parts can be coming from as far as Germany or the UK.
- Can I get a rental car?
If you have what is called “Loss of Use” coverage from your insurer we will book you into a rental car as soon as you drop of your car. We have a shuttle service to our local rental company which is 5 minutes away.
- What if I don’t have “Loss of Use” coverage?
If you do not have “loss of use” coverage but have transferable insurance then we would be happy to put you into one of our service loaners at a competitive rate.
- How long will it take to drop my car off for repairs?
To drop the car off only takes 5 minutes however if you have requested a rental we will have a shuttle take you to the rental company to pick up the car which can take up to 30 minutes. A good rule is to give yourself at least 30 minutes for the whole process.